Commissioned to breathe new life into a century-old cottage, Janik Dalecki devised a design that would make a statement while still respecting the character of the original building.

Mr Dalecki, of Dalecki Design, says the brief for the renovation was to turn the tired, run-down home into a modern abode perfect for entertaining and raising a family.

The existing home with three bedrooms, one bathroom and no storage had a dark, impractical layout with no breeze paths or natural light, he says.

The alteration and addition was to be sympathetic to the existing 100-year-old heritage-listed home, whilst still creating a bold design statement.

The extension of the home, which is on a 385sqm block in Mt Lawley, was to centre around an open-plan main living area, which would offer city views as well as a seamless indoor/outdoor connection.

Whilst the home was to be child-friendly, the owners also wanted to create a luxurious master retreat, where the adults of the house could escape to the privacy of their own space, Mr Dalecki adds.

The new main living area is the centrepiece of the renovation. North-facing windows edged with black powder-coated frames help flood the living zones with natural light, while sliding doors link the interiors to the garden.

The large sliding doors also frame the homes city views, allowing them to be seen from all entertaining zones, both indoors and outdoors, Mr Dalecki says.

The sleeping areas have been divided into two zones.

The existing two front bedrooms were retained, with a second bathroom added, while the main suite was positioned to the rear to create a private parents retreat.

A highlight of the main bedroom is a built-in window seat, which also conceals storage beneath its hinged base.

The idea was to create a cosy sitting space where you could retreat with a book and take in the backyard and city views, Mr Dalecki says.

It also serves to tie the bedroom in with the existing home, with the jarrah boards selected to match the existing internal flooring also used for the window-seat lining.

Such references to the original building were a key aspect of Mr Daleckis design.

Many of the heritage details were restored, such as a leadlight window and entry door and the external brickwork, which was re-tuckpointed.

Mr Dalecki says the contemporary, minimalist design of the Weathertex-clad addition helps highlight the heritage details.

In order to let the intricate heritage details shine, the addition incorporates contrasting materials and sharp, minimalist lines, creating a strikingly modern form, he says.

Whilst this creates a clear definition between the old and the new, a neutral colour scheme and the use of existing floorboards throughout provide a seamless transition between the two eras.

Tips for renovating a heritage property

- Find a local heritage advisor or designer who is familiar with the period of architecture and has previously worked both with this period or architecture along with the local council and various heritage bodies, Mr Dalecki says.

- If purchasing a heritage property check with council the type of heritage listing as this will dictate the extent of works that can be carried out on the home. You should also check whether the local council has any existing plans and photographs of the house. This will give you an idea of what the original building looked like and assist in any reconstruction work, he says.

- If adding on to the exiting heritage home add on in a style that provides a clear definition between what is new and what is old. Adding on a contrasting addition can highlight the existing heritage features both internally and externally.

- Replace like for like or where need be, remove non-original features and replace with what would have originally been there, Mr Dalecki says. Use original drawings or photos if you have these and if not use the local surrounding architecture to find a similar match to your house and replicate their details.

- Finally, do some research into any government or council grants that are available. Quite often there can be significant grants provided for restoration works.

Dalecki Design, 0410 100 096, daleckidesign.com.au.

Read more:

Dramatic extension breathes new life into century-old cottage - The West Australian